NRL has let Sharks down, says Gallen

Daniel Lane, Adrian Proszenko

"I don’t think we’ve had great support from the NRL" Gallen pictured with world champion boxer Daniel Geale. Photo: Wolter Peeters

Cronulla captain Paul Gallen criticised the support provided by the NRL to Sharks players as they prepare for interviews with Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators.

Gallen is among 10 Cronulla players due to be interviewed from Tuesday about allegations of banned substances being used at the club in 2011 and the NSW skipper admitted to being frustrated about suggestions he was ASADA's No. 1 target.

''It's frustrating because obviously when you look at the players involved, naturally if they want to get anyone they want to get the biggest name,'' Gallen told Channel Nine.

Asked if he had received good support from the NRL during the six months since the investigation was launched, Gallen said: ''I wouldn't say yes, so I don't think we've had great support from the NRL. Personally speaking I don't think I have had great support.''

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Gallen changed lawyers last week and will be represented by a different legal team from his teammates. ''I was told from day one by people I trusted, like family members, that everyone should have independent advice,'' he said. ''I am fine, I will be in there with my lawyers looking to do what I have got to do.''

The Sharks players insist they have nothing to tell the ASADA investigators during the interviews, which will be conducted over an eight-day period.

''I don't think I have done anything wrong and as a player all I can do is adhere to the rules, and I have always done that,'' Gallen said. ''I have always been drug tested and I have always been fine.''

Centre Ben Pomeroy told Channel Seven: ''We know we have done nothing wrong so we can't get in trouble for doing anything wrong, surely. I think everyone is just getting used to it … so we've got to get out there and deal with it.''

The pair sought relief from ASADA's investigation by joining teammates Chris Heighington and Jonathan Wright to watch world middleweight champion Daniel Geale prepare at the South Sydney PCYC in Redfern to defend his IBF title in America later this month.

Gallen was happy to extol the virtues of Geale, and, indeed, all boxers, as supreme athletes but was reluctant to discuss the anti-drug agency's investigation. ''It is what it is,'' Gallen said with a shrug of his shoulders.

He elaborated more on radio earlier on Monday morning when, in a response to the question ''how big a worry is it for you?'' the 30-year-old told Sky Sport Radio any potential suspension would be tough for players of his vintage.

''It's probably a bit more concerning for me than it is for younger blokes who could certainly probably come back from anything that may happen.''

He said the interviews over the next few weeks would be an obvious distraction for the Sharks as they tried to mount a charge towards the finals series.

''I think they're probably doing two or three boys a week, so the next couple of weeks will be distracting for us. Like I said, there's no excuse - once you get out on the field we just have to do our job.''

Meanwhile, reinstated Cronulla trainer Mark Noakes could return to the fold as soon as Wednesday. Noakes, who was interviewed a second time by ASADA, will help the team prepare for Saturday night's home clash with Newcastle at Remondis Stadium.

His return may not be the only change to the shire club's staff. Officials are in discussions with former football manager Darren Mooney about a return.

Steve Noyce was overseeing the Sharks' footballing operations, but his promotion to interim CEO - as a replacement for Bruno Cullen - could provide an avenue for Mooney to return to the role he held before his controversial sacking.

The new Sharks board overturned the decision of the previous one to sack four staffers - including Noakes and Mooney - and offered them a full apology and a chance to return to the club.

39 comments so far

The fact that this is taking place during the current season and it is alleged to have occurred 2 years ago in 2011 is a disgrace. What is this distracting us from? Why isn't this taking place in the off season. Something is amiss here. Who is benefiting from this? There is more to this than meets the eye. This is a smokescreen to draw our attention away from something far more sinister at work. Do not accept this, ask questions, look deeper.

Commenter

Fascinatinrythm

Date and time

August 05, 2013, 9:41PM

Fascinatinrythm. 9.41pm.The person who everyone points the finger at for supplying supplements was at Manly for five years before he was at the Sharks for a couple of months. The Sharks get all the publicity and innuendo whilst Manly skate under the radar. Although, the Murdoch Sydney Rag named names last Sunday including some from Manly. Which raises the question who gave them the names? From the moment this was raised earlier this year relocation of the Sharks has bubbled away just under surface with media reports coming up for air now and again. The Shark's sale of land next to Remondis Park will provide them with a revenue stream for the future. In addition I believe they own their ground which would be worth millions. What a little nest egg liquidation of this asset would provide the new owners of a relocated Sharks together with a very competitive team. I hope not but, nothing surprises me when greed and agendas are involved.

Commenter

Rob

Location

Gymea Bay

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 6:09AM

fascinatinrythm, you've been watching to many mel gibson movies. I think its time for you to go to bed now.

Commenter

doc

Location

mars

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 6:57AM

It's all the Rothchilds and Rockefellers doing

Commenter

mp

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 7:36AM

LOL, September 11 was a home bound conspiracy, man never landed on the moon it was done in the disney studios, Harold Holt was captured in a mini sub by the Russians as he was about to be exposed as a spy. Does this make perfect sense as well??

Commenter

Awesum Dimsum

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 7:42AM

Get off the grassy knoll - they are just doing their job. If the Sharks have done nothing wrong they have nothing to fear, but methinks there will be one or two suspended before the investigation is complete

Commenter

Conspiracy Theorist

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 8:03AM

I agree fascinatinrythym, they couldn't get them before so get the government to give them more power? To do what? The majority of fans see this as a joke, fans of all clubs not just cronulla fans. Anything can happen from here on, I'd say these 30 or so players will get a short ban just to shut them up & get rid of them. I just hope these young fellas have the mental strength & support to handle it

Commenter

Bobbo

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 8:18AM

Paul Gallen thinks he's a "big name". Hilarious.

Commenter

Rormungous

Date and time

August 06, 2013, 4:07PM

As a RL supporter I am sick of hearing the chorus of whingers from the Sharks (led by Paul Gallen) crying "poor us". Gallen is no doubt a tough, committed and talented player, but he obviously doesn't think beyond himself and his club. This is not about the NRL allegedly involved in systematic cheating, but the allegation is against Cronulla and a few individual players who rolled the dice on supplements and may have come up with snake eyes. It is not the NRL's job to "support" clubs that break the rules, it is their job to punish them. Some advice for Paul Gallen. Be the man you obviously are on the footy field off the field and answer the questions asked of you honestly and take whatever is coming to you and the club, if anything.

Commenter

Brisraider

Location

Queensland

Date and time

August 07, 2013, 9:12AM

Gallen is a clown.If he hasn't done anything wrong why keep 'banging' on about it.The old rule is if you haven't done anything then shut up. Gallen's legal team should tell him to shut up.